Burien vs Spokane: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Burien, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burien, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,196▲ | $54,290 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.97▲ | $26.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,263▲ | $46,082 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,573▲ | $48,748 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,209▲ | $62,646 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,728▲ | $65,480 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 2,090▲ |
Verdict
Burien, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Burien and Spokane is $3,906 (7.19%). Burien's median is +21.34% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burien spans $30,465,Spokane spans $19,398. Burien has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burien ($54,186 effective) pays 0.15% more than Spokane ($54,103 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burien if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,196/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,728)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,186)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Burien grew -0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Burien, WA
$55,588 (2024) → $55,441 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$36,680 (2019) → $51,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burien, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov